From local voices and vibrant stories to brand-new adventures in the African Savannah, it’s time to celebrate Youth Day with Cartoonito This Youth Day, Cartoonito celebrates the power of African stories, from homegrown songs and local voices sharing their passions, to fan-favourite Grizzy & the Lemmings landing in the African Savannah. As part of Cartoonito’s Youth Day celebration is Akissi, the pan-African animated special that captures the joy, mischief, and magic of childhood, voiced by none other than Johannesburg’s own Phophi Muleya. At just 19 years old, Phophi brings fearless energy to the title character, a spirited Ivorian girl full of courage and charm. For her, Youth Day is more than a calendar date, it’s a reminder of what’s possible. “Youth Day reminds me that my voice, and every young person’s voice, matters,” she says. “I’m living proof that creativity can open doors you never knew existed. From recording lines between classes to seeing my name in the credits of an international show, it’s been magical.” A Journey Powered by Creativity & Courage From student to screen star, Johannesburg’s Phophi Muleya brings heart and humour to Akissi, the story of a bold Ivorian girl navigating childhood with courage and curiosity, a perfect reflection of what Youth Day stands for. “As a young person in South Africa, Youth Day is a reminder that I can push beyond any societal boundaries set for me or the youth,” Phophi explains. “There’s a lot we can learn from the youth of 1976. They proved that when we stand together, we can tackle the challenges that matter most to us as young people.” She adds, “Voicing Akissi and seeing young Black African children feel seen on screen has been the most rewarding part of this journey. We’re a creative generation — and our stories are powerful tools for connection and change.” From local songs and African stories to fan favourites, it’s all about homegrown fun this Youth Day Grizzy and the Lemmings even goes local with two brand-new episodes premiering on Youth Day and every weekday from 17:05. This season returns with its signature slapstick formula rooted in classic silent comedy and cartoon rivalry. Grizzy and the Lemmings land in the African Savannah, where they clash over everything from comfy naps to loud parties and mouth-watering treats. In true “frenemy” fashion, their wild disputes often lead to clever compromises. This batch of episodes sees the Lemmings throwing mega dance parties, playing video games, and stirring up chaos with games like hide-n-seek and racket sports, all while encountering exclusive new characters including elephants, warthogs, ostriches, termites, and grasshoppers. Catch the sequel to Grizzy & the Lemmings: World Tour as the slapstick rivals land in the African Savannah, with dance parties, wild games, and brand-new animal characters. The full day’s line-up is packed with joy, music, and imagination, a celebration of African childhood in all its creativity and colour: Tune In, Laugh Loud, Dream Big “I hope every child watching Cartoonito on Youth Day feels proud of who they are and starts believing in what they can become. Our stories matter. Our voices matter,” concludes Phophi Muleya. Join Cartoonito on Monday, 16 June from 08:00 for a magical Youth Day celebration bursting with local songs, local African stories and familiar characters reimagined in proudly African settings and discover just how far creativity can take Africa’s young dreamers.